West Palm Beach Underage DUI Lawyer
Florida law imposes a strict standard on young drivers that differs from adult requirements. If you are under 21, you are subject to “zero tolerance” administrative rules where the limit is just 0.02%. You can still face criminal DUI charges if your BAC reaches 0.08% or your faculties are impaired. An arrest for a drinking-related driving offense can trigger immediate administrative actions that affect your ability to get to school or work. These cases move quickly through the Palm Beach County court system, and the damage to your reputation can be permanent if not addressed by a defense attorney.
At The Lewin Law Firm, PLLC, I focus my practice on criminal defense to provide the attention these cases demand. My name is Daniel Lewin, and I handle every aspect of the defense personally, from the initial DMV formal review hearing to the final courtroom resolution. My goal is to prevent a single mistake from impacting your academic career or professional potential. By investigating the details of the police encounter, I work to protect the records of young adults who are facing the justice system for the first time.
Florida Enforces A Zero Tolerance Policy For Young Drivers
Underage drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .02% or higher face an immediate administrative license suspension. This limit is so low that even a single drink can lead to a violation. For a first-time .02% violation, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) will suspend your driving privilege for six months. If you refuse to submit to a lawful test, the administrative suspension increases to 12 months for a first offense. These administrative penalties occur independently of any criminal DUI charges. If your BAC is .05% or higher, the law requires you to complete a mandatory substance abuse course before your suspension can be lifted or before you become eligible for a hardship license.
Trenton’s Law Criminalizes The Refusal Of Breath And Urine Tests
Effective Oct. 1, 2025, a new statute known as Trenton’s Law makes it a criminal offense to refuse a lawful breath or urine test. Previously, a first-time refusal was an administrative matter resulting in a license suspension. Florida law classifies an initial refusal to provide breath or urine samples, following appropriate warnings, as a second-degree misdemeanor with potential incarceration of up to two months (§ 316.1939). A second refusal remains a first-degree misdemeanor with a potential one-year jail sentence. This law ensures that the decision to refuse breath or urine testing carries criminal weight. I will analyze whether the officer properly informed you of these updated criminal consequences, as any failure in the warning process can be grounds for a legal challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions About Youth DUI Defense
Understanding how the law applies to your arrest is the first step in protecting your future. I’ve answered some questions I commonly hear about DUIs below; contact me with specific questions about your case.
What are the consequences of an underage DUI in Florida?
A conviction can lead to license suspension, community service and mandatory alcohol education programs. Beyond court penalties, it often results in higher insurance premiums and can lead to the loss of academic scholarships or university housing.
How can a lawyer assist in an underage DUI case?
I challenge the lawfulness of the initial traffic stop and the accuracy of the breath testing equipment used by police. I also represent you at the DMV administrative hearing to fight for your driving privileges and work to negotiate for a dismissal or reduction of charges.
What is Florida’s zero tolerance policy for underage DUI?
This policy sets an administrative BAC limit of .02% for drivers under 21. This means any measurable amount of alcohol can trigger a license suspension by the FLHSMV, designed to remove young drivers from the road immediately even if the evidence does not support a criminal DUI conviction.
Protect Your License And Your Academic Future
An underage arrest requires a defense that understands the stakes of a criminal record. I offer straightforward guidance to help families in West Palm Beach manage these situations. I will investigate the evidence to find any procedural errors that could lead to a favorable outcome for your case. If you are worried about the impact of a DUI on your schooling or job prospects, call me at 561-710-2819 or schedule a consultation to talk about your youth DUI defense today.